ART THERAPY
Qualified Art Therapists offer a safe and contained space for people to explore their inner self and creative being to better understand themselves.
Art Therapy focus on the creative process and meaning making rather than aesthetics and finished products. .
No previous art experience is required as the therapy aspires to nurture creativity and imagination to develop a more integrated sense of self.
Art Therapy sessions are not lessons, instead, they are opportunities to release expectations, relax and engage creatively with art materials.
Verbal interactions are not necessary throughout the session, the art making can be a vehicle that facilitates the exploring of emotional and mental states as well as changes in life, rather than words.
My practice is evidence-based, person-centred and strengths-based. I aim to create a safe space for individuals to engage in playful self-enquiry, while developing therapeutic goals that uncover personal resources, inspiration, learning styles and capabilities. My work focuses on personal growth and aims to enhance self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-love. I also understand that talking can sometimes be difficult. I approach sessions with compassion, understanding, empathy, playfulness, and positive regard.
I am qualified and available to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups of all genders, orientations, and identities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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An initial Art Therapy session can help you decide if art therapy is helpful for you, and during our discussion, we can determine if individual and/or group art therapy may be suitable.
A typical Art Therapy session will be 60min and will involve a cup of tea and a check-in.
The session will transition into an art-making component when you are ready, and a variety of art materials will be available to choose from and explore.
The Art Therapist can witness the process or make art alongside you. Breaks are most welcome and the session moves at your pace.
As the session concludes there is space for reflection. Recognisable themes can be identified and discussed, however, this is of course optional and led by you.
You can decide what you would like to do with your art, and we can close with a short grounding technique.
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Art Therapy sessions are facilitated by Masters qualified, and registered Art Therapists. Their role is to create a safe, contained and harm-free environment that reduces power differentials and develops trusting therapeutic relationships.
Art Therapists empower individuals with choice and control in their artmaking and provide a supportive witness for the process of discovering meaning-making through creativity.
Art Therapists understand that individuals bring unique and personal experiences as well as cultural influences to the creative process.
The therapist will not interpret an individual’s artwork, as it is the individual’s own reflections on their creative work that holds importance.
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The number of sessions required will vary for each individual.
To develop ease with the process of Art Therapy, and to allow it to evolve, it is helpful to meet regularly.
The therapy can be a long term or time-limited treatment.
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Research has determined Art therapy can play a significant role in individuals’ psychological and social recovery. Findings suggest that an arts-based practise has value in areas of self-discovery, self-expression, relations and social identity.
Practice- and evidence-based research is well established in Art Therapy, and Art therapists have been educated on theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy, the polyvagal theory, and Cognitive behavioural therapy, in addition, art therapists have developed a broad range of client-centred and culturally responsive approaches.
Art Therapy is informed by psychoanalysis and is based on counselling frameworks that incorporate art into the dialogue as a mechanism for working through themes that are brought up in sessions.
QUESTIONS? LETS CHAT
If you have further questions, please book a free 15min consultation with me.